Income fared relatively poorly in the parts of Mexico that experienced little of the effects of globalization when compared to the so-called high exposure states of northern Mexico whose export-oriented industries have been magnets for foreign investors,” (Davis)

Mexico experienced what some call the decade of globalization. During the 1990’s Mexico opened up its trade restrictions and signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States and Canada. This agreement allowed Mexico’s gross domestic product (GPD) to go through the roof and triple what it had been decades before. As a whole, the country has had a positive experienced with globalization because globalization has increased economic growth, it has helped expand the country’s trade network, and it has reduced the taxes that are imposed on imported goods. However, the positive effects of globalization have not reached all Mexican citizens.

The country of Mexico has always suffered from inequality between high social classes, and those of the lower middle class and below. Globalization has had two different effects on the country, one that is drastically more positive than the other. Due to the high inequalities present in the country between social classes, it appears that people who live in rural areas with little to no exposure to globalization are trailing behind states that have had a full forced globalization experience. When addressing the two different classes and globalization experiences, Mexico is divided into two regions, the north which is referred to as the “high exposure states” and the south, which is known as the “low exposure states”. The amount of exposure to the different areas of the country are what has caused a debate on whether or not Globalization has helped or hindered the country. Those who have experienced the positive outlook on globalization argue that globalization raises wages and the standards of living, which ultimately increases economic growth. However this is only one part of the country's opinion, those who are opposed to globalization argue that globalization undercuts labor and the lifestyle of the working people further increasing the large gap between the wealthy and the poor. Examples of this are brought upon by Mexican corn farmers who are being put out of business by NAFTA because said farmers cannot compete with the cheap US-grown corn market. In conclusion, it can easily be said that globalization in the country of Mexico benefits some while it greatly harms others. The concept behind interdependence is that one nation of the world relies on another for goods. The relationship between Mexico and the United States can be said to be the most interdependent international relationship in the world. This being said, there is great global interdependence between the Mexico and the United States economically, politically, and culturally. Culturally, Mexico and the United states are interdependent in many senses, this type of interdependence is heavily present in the border Mexican/U.S. border states. Northern Mexico, and the southern part of the United States are more alike than most people think. Cultural exchanges have been taking place in these regions, many of the northern Mexican states have more in common with Texas and other US states than they do with Mexican states. The presence of Hispanic culture is also seen all over the southern United States, making the the cultural exchanges a two way street. Politically however, the interdependent relationship between Mexico and the U.S. is a little more rocky, especially when it comes to immigration laws and procedures around the border. To address this issue both countries are now working together in a project known as “Border 2020” which was created to clean up the area around the U.S/Mexican border that directly affects 4 U.S. states and 6 Mexican states. Perhaps one of the greatest ways in which Mexico and the United States are interdependent with one another, is through economic related topics. Mexico heavily depend on the United States as a labor provider one more than just one way. Not only does the United States serve as “go to” nation for work to the Mexican people, but it also provides in house labor and work opportunities for Mexican citizens who choose to stay in their native lands. The US has many factories and developmental plants in Mexico that produce electronics, automotives , and other goods specifically for the US. The factories and plants, provide a significant portion of the labor market that is available in Mexico. The NAFTA agreement is also a way that Mexico and the United States are interdependent with one another. NAFTA benefits both countries because they both import and export much needed good from one another, and they lower tariffs.

Your report on globalization in Mexico was very thorough and educating. It's nice to learn about our neighboring countries; I feel like i should know much more about them. I really understand what you said about the high gap between the rich and the poor in Mexico. I have an old friend that lives in Mexico. His family is very well off there and he gets the best education and travels the world. However, about 7 years ago I went on a cruise to Mexico and one of the excursions was visiting an urban area and having a home cooked meal by a family from the area. That family didn't have any electricity or air conditioning. They had no fridge to keep their food fresh, but yet they were so happy to welcome us into their home and share their food with us. It was a very humbling experience and it gives me a perspective on your point that the positive effects of globalization have not hit everyone in the country.

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Abbey Surmay

4/14/2015 10:41:12 am

Wow seriously great information, it was so helpful and insightful. I love how you opened up with an impactful quote. I never thought social classes could be so different between one country, it was very interesting to read that "due to the high inequalities present in the country between social classes, it appears that people who live in rural areas with little to no exposure to globalization are trailing behind states that have had a full forced globalization experience". Rather sad that the country doesn't experience it as a whole. Great view.

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My name is Denisse, I am a Sophomore at ASU majoring in Elementary Education BLE/ESL.